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Local News for Friday 2nd November 2018

W.I.L.L. TO FUND FACELIFT FOR CLACH AN TRUSHALThe Western Isles Lifestyle Lottery have announced funding raised up until end December 2018 by Supporters in the Ness & Westside Area will be awarded to the Committee of Airidhantuim Community Council to upgrade a local tourist attraction.

Sited in the village of Ballantrushal on the west side of the Island, Clach an Trushal, or the "Stone of Compassion", is said to be the tallest standing stone in Scotland.

The 5,000 year old stone, a popular Tourist attraction for coach tours, stands approximately 19 ft tall, and is approx. 6.0 ft wide.

A parking area is situated close by for the many coach tours that visit However, the stone itself and its surrounding area are in need of a facelift.Airidhantuim Community Council aim to have a descriptive plaque made for the stone and improve the surrounding area as well as upgrading the pathway leading to it.

Residents in the Ness & Westside Area can find out more information about this project online at www.westernisleslottery.co.uk

P.S.T UP FOR SOCIAL ENTERPRISE AWARDSCommunity wind farm charity Point and Sandwick Trust (PST) is looking forward to this year’s Scottish Social Enterprise Awards ceremony, which takes place on Tuesday November 6th in the Scottish Parliament.

The Trust has been shortlisted in the Social Enterprise Awards Scotland 2018 for Social Enterprise of the Year and Environmental Social Enterprise of the Year.

It has also been shortlisted in the UK Social Enterprise Awards 2018 for Social Enterprise of the Year and that ceremony will take place in Guildhall, London, on November 28.

The Trust already has a couple of awards under its belt from the renewable energy and charity sectors, but the latest shortlistings are recognition of its innovation and success in operating a commercial business for social good.

The recognition is for the business model – which is about maintaining 100 per cent community ownership while also operating commercially, seeking to make maximum profit.

INCREASE IN WELFARE FUND CRISIS GRANT APPLICATIONSThe latest Scottish Welfare Fund statistics have recently been released and show an increase of 7% in application for crisis grants compared the same period last year and a 69% increase in people saying on applications that they ‘have nowhere to stay and may resort to rough sleeping’, Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland said:‘These funds provide a vital lifeline of support for many struggling households, but these figures are yet another sign of the human cost of Scotland's housing crisis. ‘The fact that applications for crisis grants continue to rise shows the sheer scale of just how many households in Scotland continue to struggle to make ends meet and keep a roof over their heads.Mr Brown added:‘Anyone who finds themselves struggling with housing costs should get help sooner rather than later. They can call our free national helpline on 0808 800 4444 or visit shelterscotland.org/getadvice.’